TradFest 2016 is an Edinburgh-wide celebration of culture, with events taking place all over the city. Amongst the highlights of this year’s programme includes Treasure Troves of Scottish Tradition, a series of five events taking place at the National Library of Scotland from Monday 2 – Friday 6 May. Combining storytelling, music and talks, these … Continued

Now entering its second year, Edinburgh’s Folk Film Gathering – the world’s first festival of folk cinema – is a celebration of the myriad ways in which world cinema has engaged with folk culture at different points in space and time. Part of TradFest Edinburgh, the festival’s 2016 edition brings together a series of rare, … Continued

Two singer-songwriters from opposite ends of the Atlantic come together for a double bill at this year’s TradFest. A troubadour, balladeer and storyteller cut in the old style, Scottish singer Ewan McLennan received critical acclaim for his first album Rags to Riches, which won him the prestigious Horizon Award at the BBC Folk Awards. Sky … Continued

Famously referred to as “Mississippi Sheiks meet Doctor Seuss as curated by HG Wells”, Canada-based Sheesham and Lotus & ‘Son have created a sonic and visual presentation of old time high stepping music which is completely unique. We asked them a few questions about their upcoming projects, inspirations and views on tradition before they head … Continued

Dowally are Dan Abrahams (guitar), Phil Alexander (accordion and piano) and Rachel Walker (fiddle, whistle and vocals), plus regular collaborator, cello player Graham Coe (The Jellyman’s Daughter). Together they make unclassifiable, thrillingly energetic music, fusing their love of traditional Scottish tunes with jazz harmony, Balkan rhythms and deep Americana raucousness.  What do Dowally have planned … Continued

Formed in 2014, Tannara are Owen Sinclair (guitar/vocals), Becca Skeoch (clarsach), Cameron Ross (fiddle/vocals) and Joseph Peach (accordion). Teuchters at heart, they play traditional Scottish music, some self-penned and occasionally drawing from traditions across the globe. They’re joined at TradFest by rising Scottish folk trio The Lowground, which combines three of Scotland’s most exciting young … Continued

TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) are now accepting proposals for events to be held as part of TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann 2016, which will take place throughout Edinburgh between Wednesday 27th April and Sunday 8th May 2016. TradFest Edinburgh · Dùn Èideann is a vibrant celebration of folk arts in Edinburgh, celebrating music, … Continued

Grammy Award winner Mollie O’Brien became known to the rest of the world as a singer’s singer when, in 1988, she and her brother Tim released the first of three critically-acclaimed albums for Sugar Hill Records. What followed was a rich career, family making and never losing the desire to make timeless, original and inventive … Continued

Esther Swift – likened to Kate Bush, Eddie Reader and Joanna Newsom – is one half of Twelfth Day – a young duo making waves in the scene with their enticing blend of traditional folk and classical elements.  ‘Surrender to their charms you must… It would be a sin not to.’ (Folk Radio UK) A … Continued

The Tannahill Weavers – born of a session in Paisley and named to acknowledge the town’s historic weaving industry and local poet laureate Robert Tannahill – have made an international name for themselves with their special brand of Scottish music, blending the beauty of traditional melodies with the power of modern rhythms. ‘As close to … Continued